Online bank First Direct has launched a transactional banking app for iPhone users - a first for a UK bank, according to the company.

The Banking on the Go app, pictured above, allows iPhone users to make payments to individuals or organisations they have previously made a payment to. New payment instructions have to be set up using First Direct's website but any subsequent payments can then be made via the app.

(Image: First Direct/iTunes)

The Banking on the Go app also enables First Direct customers to view account balances, see the last 20 transactions on their accounts and transfer money between multiple First Direct accounts.

(Image: First Direct/iTunes)

First Direct said it intends to extend the banking app to other smartphone platforms this year, adding that it chose the iPhone first because many of its customers are using Apple's handset.

"Over the past 12 months, the iPhone has grown to become the sixth largest source of visitors to our website and while Android is growing rapidly, it's nowhere near the iPhone just yet," said Matt Colebrook, CEO of First Direct, in a statement.

Online bank First Direct has launched a transactional banking app for iPhone users - a first for a UK bank, according to the company.

The Banking on the Go app, pictured above, allows iPhone users to make payments to individuals or organisations they have previously made a payment to. New payment instructions have to be set up using First Direct's website but any subsequent payments can then be made via the app.